Examining barriers to nurses' participation in clinical research

Hatefi, Masoud; Vasiee, Alireza; Veisi, Maryam; Saraei, Zeynab; Azadi, Hamed; Pakseresht, Maryam

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Volume 33, Issue 6 (1-2026)

Journal of Ilam University of Medical Sciences 2026, 33(6): 123-136

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Examining barriers to nurses' participation in clinical research

Masoud Hatefi¹

, Alireza Vasiee²

, Maryam Veisi³

, Zeynab Saraei³

, Hamed Azadi⁴

, Maryam Pakseresht ^*⁵

1- Dept of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
2- Dept of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
3- Non-Communicable Disease Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
4- Dept of Anesthesiology, School of Allied Medical Science, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
5- Dept of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran & Non-Communicable Disease Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran , paksereshtmaryam@yahoo.com

Abstract: (22 Views)

Introduction: Clinical research plays a key role in improving the quality of healthcare, and active participation of nurses is a fundamental condition for the development of the nursing profession. However, numerous individual and organizational barriers can limit the effective participation of nurses in research activities. This study aimed to identify and investigate barriers to nurses' participation in clinical research in teaching and medical hospitals in Ilam city.
Materials & Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, and 391 nurses working in teaching hospitals in Ilam participated in it. Sampling was done using a systematic stratified random method. The data collection tool was a standard questionnaire on barriers to participation in research. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software and descriptive and analytical statistical tests at a significance level of 5%.
Results: The most common personal barriers included lack of time and busy work (91%), distance from academic centers (82%), lack of sufficient motivation (80%), unfamiliarity with statistical principles (79%), and insufficient research knowledge (76%). In the organizational dimension, the most important barriers were reported to include lack of motivation from managers (90%), insufficient management support (88%), cumbersome administrative regulations (87%), and lack of research budget (86%). Statistical analysis showed that gender and type of employment were significantly associated with personal barriers (P<0.05), while other demographic and job characteristics had no significant effect on personal or organizational barriers.
Conclusion: Individual and organizational barriers significantly limit nurses' participation in clinical research. Lack of time, poor motivation, and structural constraints are among the most important deterrents. It is suggested that future studies should focus on the importance of designing educational interventions, increasing managerial support, and reforming organizational policies and structures to promote nurses' research participation.

Keywords: Nurses' participation, research barriers, individual barriers, organizational barriers, clinical research

Full-Text [PDF 802 kb] (17 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: nursing
Received: 2025/12/3 | Accepted: 2026/01/7 | Published: 2026/01/28

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Hatefi M, Vasiee A, Veisi M, Saraei Z, Azadi H, Pakseresht M. Examining barriers to nurses' participation in clinical research. J. Ilam Uni. Med. Sci. 2026; 33 (6) :123-136
URL: http://sjimu.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-8854-en.html

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